The History Buff's Guide to the Presidents: Key People, Places, and Events

A very clever, concise way to present history -- one small bite at a time. The Top 10 lists are very interesting. It is intended for novices interested in presidential history highlights with minimal reading time. I usually read an entire Top 10 list -- e.g., Top 10 Overly Religious = #1 Eisenhower!

Reviewed by Josef F. Buenker for Reader Views (2/08) I am no history scholar, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe that Mr. Flagel succeeded in his stated objective of writing a book that would be enjoyable for the casual reader and, at the same time, be of interest for the more knowledgeable reader. The book is written in a "Top Ten" format, perhaps based on David Letterman's nightly segment, and is thus made up of a large number of relatively short sections. This format makes "The History Buff's Guide to the Presidents" a good night-time read, as there is no storyline to forget - you can read a section one night, pick the book up again a week later and start off again without losing anything. Some of the sections of the book (i.e., "Top Ten Machiavellian Presidents") are the subjective opinions of the author, and persons more knowledgeable than I about presidential history might not agree with all of Mr. Flagel's top ten rankings, while other sections ("Top Ten Veto Presidents") are based on objective fact; but I enjoyed reading most of them. I have a shelf full of history books that I have every intention of reading, but find the task too daunting. "The History Buff's Guide to the Presidents" is one that is written in such a way that it can be easily read by anyone, no matter what a person's daily time constraints are.

Americans have named all kinds of public places after presidents and these and other facts are compiled in a lively exploration of the controversies and fame surrounding many a U.S. president. Other careers, hobbies, the biggest spenders and pardoners, and relatives alike receive note in a lively format of key people, places and events perfect for any trivia buff or student of presidential history - and many a leisure reader.